National Prep School Invitational; Final day live blog
Providence, Rhode Island – The final day of the 24th Annual National Prep School Invitational is here. After a weird four days with the weather situation, Rhode Island College is up and running with teams from around the world participating.
The NBA Academy teams, Africa, Global, and Latin America, are all participating. Same with RIG Mark from Sweden and domestic teams from all around the Northeast as well as Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy post-grad program.
On3’s Jamie Shaw is courtside for the day, bringing you the storylines with this National Prep School Invitational final day live blog.
Elmarko Jackson continues getting better
The development of Kansas signee Elmarko Jackson over the past year has been substantial. Not only that, it has been consistent. Blessed with a naturally impressive frame, Jackson has long arms, broad shoulders, with the strength that looks like a college upperclassman.
Twelve months ago, Jackson played like he was shot out of a cannon. Incredible speed – which he still has – but was one speed and somewhat wild with it. The past year, pace has continuously crept into his game. The point guard is balanced with his head up.
Able to consistently touch the paint, his reads continue to develop as well. THis makes sense with everything slowing down for him. Continuing to develop the three is the next stage of his game, but the elbow jumper is confident, going both ways and he has a crafty scoring package at the rim. Jackson finished with a team-high 16 points in the win.
Jackson’s South Kent (CT) School teammates, Michigan signee Papa Kante had a solid showing as well. Kante is very active, with good length and size. He played impressive post defense and the four-star rebounded his area well. Kante finished with 12 points and double figure rebounds.
All eyes on Darlan
The NBA Academy’s come to the United States for three, seven, to ten-day stretches each year. When they do come, college coaches and NBA scouts are typically close by. This year, most of the NBA Scout eyes were on NBA Africa class of 2023 guard Theirry Darlan.
The NBA Academy’s come to the United States for three, seven, to ten-day stretches each year. When they do come, college coaches and NBA scouts are typically close by. This year, most of the NBA Scout eyes were on NBA Africa class of 2023 guard Theirry Darlan.
Where some of the intrigue grows is with his ability to see the floor. Darlan is an excellent passer. While he needs to tighten up his handle, play less upright and continue working on his balance when receiving the pass off movement. There are some nice tools there. He finished with 19 points, on five made threes.
Another player to watch with NBA Academy Africa is 6-foot-5 class of 2023 Dramane Camara. Things seem to run smoothly with the team when Camara is the primary ball handler. Maybe more of a secondary guy at the nex level, there is a smooth nature to his game, able to get to his spots and make plays for himself and others.
Camara finished with a very efficient 13 points, going 3-of-4 from three.
Arizona, Kansas, and the G-League Ignite are some programs involved with Darlan. San Jose State will get an official with Dramane Camara.
Kur Teng’s efficiency shines
While it may not be the most glamorous style of play, Kur Teng simply knows what he can do and plays within himself. The 6-foot-4 four-star is a smooth shooter with a repeatable release and great balance. He moves really well off the ball, seemingly always in motion, using screens. His balance is good, and it is consistent.
Teng also played comfortably off two dribbles. He got into the mid-range with confidence, rising up to knock down the shot. He played against a well-oiled NBA Global Academy team from Australia that has depth, talent, and a lot of size.
Teng’s Bradford Christain (MA) teammate George Turkson continues to take strides as a player. The four-star stands around 6-foot-7, and he has great length, a great motor, and a lot of pop. The four-star finished with 17 points and knocked down 3-of-6 from three in this one while defending the three through five positions.
Teng has taken a single official visit to Michigan State and Turkson to Texas A&M. While he says plans on taking more; he does not have any others lined up.
Mason Blackwood is an intriguing prospect
Mason Blackwood is a 6-foot-7 forward at New Hampton (NH) Prep. His development at the school has been impressive over the past 12 months. He has always had a physical frame, standing 6-7 with long arms and broad shoulders. Off the hoof, he looks like he could double as a linebacker on the football field.
The sophomore’s game has developed, mostly with the pace he plays. In the halfcourt, Blackwood is not in a rush. His dribbles are with purpose, and he is confident and balanced, pulling up in the midrange. Blackwood will need to continue becoming more dynamic off the bounce and clean up the jump shot, but there is a lot to like, and his developmental arc is there as well. He finished with 17 points, going 2-for-4 from three.
Blackwood is not the only 2025 on this New Hampton Prep team. Point guard Keyshaun Tillery is a player that college coaches will want to get to know. Sturdily built, he made great decisions throughout this National Prep School Invitational.
Blackwood claims early offers from Buffalo, Albany, and Siena. Tillery claims early offers from St. Bonaventure, UMass, Albany, and UMBC.